Pros & Cons of 55+ Active Adult Communities

The Baby Boomers are barreling into retirement, with the youngest Boomers turning 58 this year. It’s no surprise that this vibrant generation wants to stay active and engaged as they grow older, so the idea of an active adult community is appealing to them. Are you considering this option for yourself? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of 55+ active adult communities.

First of all, what are the defining characteristics of an active adult community? They’re typically age-restricted, meaning that someone in the residence has to be at least 55 years old. Other than that, they’re similar to other residential communities, but are designed with a retirement-friendly lifestyle in mind. They can feature single-family homes as well as multi-family buildings, with some units owned by the resident and some available to rent. These homes, apartments and rentals are conveniently located near shopping districts, restaurants, parks, and other places where residents can go to engage in the community and remain active.

While residents are responsible for interior maintenance and daily upkeep of their homes, active adult communities typically provide services to facilitate a low-maintenance lifestyle. There’s no yardwork or home maintenance, and no fees outside of housing costs and HOA dues. Residents have access to communal amenities that allow them to stay active, from golf courses to tennis courts to pools and clubhouses and more.

Because there are so many options available to today’s seniors, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Some of the advantages of an active adult community include:

• A low-maintenance lifestyle is a major draw. The idea of not having a to-do list is very appealing! Many residents of active adult communities are downsizing from the house in which they raised their family to an apartment where they won’t have to do any exterior maintenance. A smaller place means less interior maintenance, too, freeing them up for leisure activities and the ability to spend their days however they like.
• You’ll have a built-in social life. Surrounded by your peers, who have similar life experiences and are in the same phase of life, you’ll find it easy to make new friends. In a relaxed retirement environment, hanging out is convenient and fun. You’ll be amazed at the strong friendships that can develop.
• Having few kids around makes for a quiet environment. Sure, there will be visiting kids and grandkids, but for the most part, 55+ communities are quiet and peaceful. Visiting young people are expected to be respectful of this serene environment.
• These communities have abundant amenities. What do you like to do? Swim? Grill out? Play games with friends? Walk in the park? Spend time outside with your dog? Take art classes? There are plenty of opportunities to do all the things you enjoy doing at an active adult community. What’s more, there are often scheduled social events where you can get together with friends and neighbors.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages, including:

• There’s a lack of diversity. It can be great to live in a community of your peers, but being surrounded by people who are homogenous in age can also become dull sometimes.
• Your family won’t be able to use the amenities without you. Many retired people choose to live half their year in one location and the other half in a sunnier clime. Unlike with other real estate investments, in a 55+ community, your kids and grandkids wouldn’t be able to enjoy amenities, like the pool or clubhouse, if you were not in residence.
• Care services are not provided. Unlike assisted living facilities, active adult communities don’t provide healthcare or assistance as part of their offerings. Of course, it’s still possible to arrange for in-home care, and some communities even make this easier by having arrangements with certain contractors, but this is more like “aging at home” than assisted living.

When you’re ready to find a 55+ active adult community with plenty to occupy your mind and body all year long, consider Larkspur at Shadow Creek. A family-owned and managed 55 plus community, we offer resort-style apartments and cottages in New Braunfels, Texas, with an emphasis on active living. We coordinate robust monthly social calendars where friend and family are always welcome. From physical wellness to opportunities to discover new hobbies passions, there is always something to do at Larkspur at Shadow Creek. We give our residents the chance to transition from the responsibilities and burdens of home ownership to a lifestyle of convenience and luxury, full of new friends, new activities, and new adventures. To learn more about life at Larkspur at Shadow Creek, call 830-625-2277, or contact us through our website.